The absence of two replica rifles from Taunton High School has left the school’s Junior ROTC instructor wondering how to pay for replacements.

Colonel David Anderson this week confirmed to Taunton police that he and Sgt. David Laplant had completed an internal investigation as to the whereabouts of the missing Daisy Springfield Model 1903 replica guns.

The replica rifles and the plastic case within which they were secured were discovered missing on June 1 during a routine monthly inventory.

“We’ve had things like soda and chips stolen, but never rifles,” Anderson said.

The missing items were among 30 replica rifles kept locked in a storage room in the rear of a classroom that likewise is locked, he said.

The two gun pieces are valued at $543.

Anderson surmises that a cadet or a former student could have snuck in, but he doubts it. He also said a custodian might have accidentally left the doors unlocked, as has happened before, but he lacks any proof.

Sometimes a cadet accidentally leaves a gun case in a car trunk, but that doesn’t seem to be the case, Anderson said.

As for the guns, Anderson says they are strictly show pieces and can not be converted into working weapons.

One thing is for certain, Anderson said: The school’s program definitely needs all 30 guns at its disposal at any given time to accommodate events.

Anderson said a survey report has been forwarded to THS Headmaster Matthew Mattos. He said a review of the circumstances will be considered after the report is sent to the Air Force Jr. ROTC Base in Alabama.

Upon review, Anderson said, if he is found to have been negligent them he’ll have to devise a way to raise the money, be it by fundraiser or donations.

If he’s not found to have been negligent then there’s a chance the school department could foot the bill, but that liklihood also remains uncertain, Anderson said.

A new security system will be instituted, he said, whereby a security cabinet with locks will be installed. Anderson said students in the school’s technology department have been building it since he submitted a request earlier this year.

“It’s too bad we didn’t have it before the guns went missing,” Anderson said.